Ruth Brown

As of July 8, Jack R. Warner will become the new executive director for the South Dakota Board of Regents.

“I’m currently the commissioner of higher education in Rhode Island – overseeing about 40,000 students at three major institutions,” said Warner.

Warner has 41 years of experience as an educator. He has worked 31 years in the Massachusetts public higher education system as associate chancellor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and vice chancellor of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity,” Warner said. “I chose to come here because there are some very strong institutions and a good central office staff.”

Warner said he plans on continuing to work on the set agendas and continuing to expand students’ education experience. He hopes to see enrollment and graduation numbers increase and improve the quality of education students are getting at all six universities in South Dakota.

“This is a wonderful opportunity and I look forward to seeing how I can help the Board,” said Warner.

Warner will be taking over Robert T. “Tad” Perry’s position, who has been executive director since 1994 and is now retiring.